Guide To Signing Up For Your Tenancy

At Atwel James we like to make things as simple as possible. Therefore, we have put together the following guide so your tenants know exactly what the process entails when the time comes to sign up for their chosen property.

Selecting a property

To begin, it is important to understand how many people will be living in the house with you, the type of accommodation you prefer as well as the area that you want to live in. When choosing an area, also consider things like local Schools, Transport Links, Shops as well as Amenities.

The amount you have to spend per month is also an important factor. Make sure that you consider all your monthly incomings and outgoings when budgeting for a Property.

Understanding what you need is significant as it will enable you to save time and get the property that you want.

Deciding on a house

Take a look at the properties that are available and choose ones that you would like to view, ensuring that the property description matches your criteria. We would advise you to do thorough research of the location as well as look at any property pictures or video tours available. At Atwel James, we try to make you Property Search as easy as possible.

Book a viewing

If you have found a property that meets your needs the next step is to book a viewing. To book a viewing contact us by phone or email for which the details can be found on our contact us page. At this point, Atwel James will take full details of your enquiry and add you to our system as an interested Applicant, as well as on our database to enable us to match your requirements against any other Properties that may be of interest to you.

It is important for all those who will be living at the property to be present for the viewing as this will allow you to make an informed decision that is right for the group.

Move fast

Properties move quickly, therefore, if you have found a property that suits you then you should do all you can to secure the property as quickly as possible.

Make contact with Atwel James with the first available opportunity and ask about the requirements and process for renting the Property. This is the first step of the Atwel James vetting process.

Contract familiarity

Atwel James works alongside UKTenantData, a Lettings Referencing Agency. It is important that you become familiar with the paperwork and tenancy agreement that comes with your chosen property.

Where required, you should seek legal advice and make sure that any parents or guarantors see the relevant paperwork so that they are familiar with the content and what is expected of them.

If you have any questions, simply give us a call and we will be more than happy to help. Giving yourself the chance to have all questions answered before you sign up will ensure that you know everything there is to know.

Putting a suitable guarantor in place

If you require a guarantor, then they have to be over the age of 18 and we may have to carry out credit checks to ensure that they are credit worthy.

If a guarantor is required, then the tenancy agreement will be a ‘joint and several tenancy agreements’. This means that all members of the tenancy group are responsible for the rent arrears of others. Therefore, this also means that guarantor is also liable for any debts.

We advise guarantors to seek legal advice so that they are completely aware of what is expected of them.

Guarantors will be given a guarantor form to complete. This will require a signature as well as a copy of their driving licence or passport so that we can carry out verification checks.

Being a Guarantor is a legally binding obligation, and it is important that the Guarantor is aware that he/she will be responsible for any defaults under the tenancy.

Signing the tenancy agreement

Once you have found the property and become familiar with all of the relevant documents you are ready to sign the tenancy agreement. Once all the verification process has been completed, we arrange a mutually convenient time for you to attend one of Atwel James’ Estate Agencies or under certain circumstances at the Property in order to sign the necessary documents and carry out an Inventory.

It is important to ensure that all tenants (and Guarantor, if required) are present for the signing as it will not be able to take place without full attendance.

The sign-up process take around an hour.

What is required for the tenancy agreement?

You will be expected to provide Photographic ID, Utility Bill / Bank Statement, your contact information such as full name, address and contact details as well as your next of kin. Non-EU residents would have to provide valid proof of their entitlement to stay in the UK.

Your bank account details will be required along with your National Insurance number. If required, you will have to supply a landlord reference and each member of the group will have to pay an administration fee, which would range from £100 to £350, depending on the type of accommodation. You can ask for a breakdown of our fees by contacting us or are available for inspection at any of our branches. You may also be asked to make a deposit payment at this stage. All deposits are protected by the Deposit Protection Scheme, of which Atwel James Estate Agents are members. Further details of how the scheme works can be obtained by contacting us.

Your details would be passed onto Tenant Shop at this stage for them to transfer the utility supplies for the property into your name if required.

As a condition of your tenancy, you may be required to ensure that you have suitable Contents Insurance in place. You can get a quote from Rent Guardian for your insurance needs.

Finally, you would be expected to pay the first monthly rent payment, which is always paid in advance. You will be provided with a Rent Statement on the day, which would also indicate your next payment due date.

Get in touch

We would love to hear from you, one of our team is at hand to take your call and answer any of your questions.
Bolton Office: (01204) 844 448
Manchester Office: (0161) 232 0944
Stockport Office: (0161) 436 8448Email Atwel James
Download : Atwel James Agreement Form